He was loved by everyone associated with Crystal Palace for more than four years, and just over a year since his departure, former assistant and caretaker boss Keith Millen firmly believes the Eagles will continue as a Premier League club next season.

Croydon-born Millen is now assistant manager at Milton Keynes Dons and has a relegation fight of his own in League One.

Millen has kept a close and keen eye on Palace, and has hailed Roy Hodgson for the job he's done this season following a torrid start.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Injuries to key players have certainly curtailed any hopes and plans to push the club towards the middle of the Premier League table, but Millen believes the manager's experience and the club's run-in will crucial to survival.

"I think bringing Roy in really steadied the ship and he had a great start, and I think the main reason they have had a poor run is the amount of injuries they've had," said Millen, speaking exclusively to Digital Football Writer Mark Ritson.

"I speak to a lot of people there still and they can't believe how many injuries they've picked up, and not short-term but long-term - big players in that dressing room.

"The organisation that Roy brings to that club I think has kept them in the position they're in, and now they have got some players coming back, I am sure they will be good enough to win enough games to be safe this year.

"They have a decent run, and if they keep everyone fit then they have more than enough with Roy's experience, and Ray Lewington is with him as well, it looks a good setup."

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Keith Millen of Crystal palace is seen during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on August 16, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

In a time where other teams around Palace have had their own problems on and off the pitch, there seems to be a strong unity at Selhurst Park.

The fight for survival looks like it will go to the final day, and even goal difference could play a huge part.

And Millen says keeping a certain Wilfried Zaha fit will be significant compared to other teams.

"That was always the strength we had when we were down the bottom, we always felt we had a good dressing room," he said.

"We were always the underdogs anyway, and we were comfortable being that.

"But I don't think Palace are underdogs any more when you look at their squad of players. They have got a good squad there, and with Roy's organisation as well s Wilfried Zaha returning, he has a massive influence on the game.

"To keep him fit, and they had a massive result at Huddersfield. It was also the manner of the win, it wasn't like they just nicked it, it seemed like they were in total control.

"I am sure and hopeful they will stay up. If we stay up at MK Dons as well then I'll have a good summer."

(Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

As a man from the Croydon area, what about Palace's plans to redevelop their Main Stand at Selhurst Park?

"I saw the plans, and I am pleased they are staying where they are because that is the home of Palace, definitely," added Millen.

"I remember when they showed me the plans, it was sort of similar to Liverpool, that wrap around up and over the top.

"It just shows you how far they have come and developed the club."

(Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Millen left Selhurst Park in January 2017 following the arrival of Sam Allardyce, who wanted a change of backroom staff.

So what has 51-year-old been doing in the last year or so?

He had an interview for the managerial vacancy at Gillingham in October, but the Kent club decided to stick with caretaker boss - former Palace player - Steve Lovell.